Entrepreneurial Investment Awards Program
Forecasted
The Entrepreneurial Investment Awards Program funds Iowa organizations to provide business development services that strengthen the state’s innovation and startup ecosystem.
Funder: Iowa Economic Development Authority
Due Dates (Anticipated): January 2027 (FY 2027 Application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Up to $200,000 per provider; final awards are competitive and depend on available funding.
Summary: Supports Iowa-based organizations providing business development services to entrepreneurs and startups to strengthen the state's innovation ecosystem.
Key Information: This is an organizational grant; individual startups/entrepreneurs are not eligible to apply directly.
Description
The Entrepreneurial Investment Awards Program, managed by the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA), provides financial support to Iowa-based organizations that deliver direct business development services to entrepreneurs and early-stage startups. The program aims to accelerate new business creation, strengthen the growth of existing startups, and enhance Iowa’s overall entrepreneurial ecosystem by empowering resource providers with operating funds for services such as business model development, marketing, financial management, mentoring, and network access.
Organizations eligible for this program are those that fill a demonstrated gap in Iowa's entrepreneurial ecosystem and offer comprehensive support to innovation-driven companies. Funding is not intended for direct investment into startups, but rather to support the operations of organizations that serve entrepreneurs and early-stage businesses.
